The San Francisco 49ers will begin their postseason this Saturday, as they take on the Minnesota Vikings. The 49ers should be well rested coming off of a Bye week, and will look to use their home field advantage to help them make it to the NFC championship.
The Vikings are fresh off of a thrilling overtime victory against the New Orleans Saints. In that game, the Vikings 13th ranked (regular season) rush defense held Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray to a combined 42 rushing yards on 12 carries, resulting in just one touchdown for Kamara. Triple threat Taysom Hill was the most effective on the ground against the Vikings, as he carried four times for 50 yards. While quiet on the ground, Kamara was able to rack up points through the air as he tallied eight receptions for 34 yards.
With lackluster performances from two very capable running backs in Kamara and Murray, one may wonder which of the 49ers running backs will have the most success and provide the most value in DFS contests against this stout Minnesota defense? We break down the fantasy football implications below.
Fantasy football advice: San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert
Though he started the season in a complementary role, Mostert has crept his way into the lead role of the 49ers backfield down the stretch of the season. Mostert has received double digit carries in every game since Week 13 and has averaged 18.2 fantasy points per game in that stretch. That includes a 24.9 point performance against a regular season 4th ranked New Orleans Saints rush defense. Mostert has proven that he can have success against tough defenses and at a price of $5800 in DFS contests, he provides good value if he can live up to his recent level of play. He may lose some work to Breida and Coleman, but this is reflected in his lower price compared to other workhorse backs like Derrick Henry at $8200.
Fantasy Football Advice: San Francisco 49ers running back Tevin Coleman
Tevin Coleman was the leader of the backfield to start the season, but due to injury and outstanding performances from his teammates, Coleman has been forced to take a backseat lately. Since Week 13, he has failed to see more than five carries in any single game and he is rarely used in the passing game. Coleman has failed to reach double digit points since Week 12. At a price point of $3300 in DFS contests, Coleman is certainly cheap, but it is tough to recommend him as his upside is limited due to low usage.
Fantasy Football Advice: San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida
Breida was a significant part of the 49ers backfield in the beginning of the season, as he saw double digit carries in all but one game through the first 10 games. However, Breida has had a tough time getting back on track since an ankle injury suffered in Week 10. He had particular difficulty closing out the season as he lost two fumbles in Week 15 against the Falcons, did not play in Week 16 against the Rams, and carried only 4 times for 16 yards against the Seahawks in Week 17. Breida has fallen out of favor and is a gamble in any line-up. The only upside Breida can provide is his prowess in the passing game. Should Mostert struggle on the ground, Breida may be called upon as a change of pace option through the air. Despite his low price of $3500 in DFS, he remains a gamble.
Start/Sit Advice:
Start Mostert in DFS
Sit Coleman in DFS
Sit Breida in DFS; use only as a low cost gamble with upside